How can we best handle disagreements with our neighbors? - Disagreement - TouchPoints

Genesis 26:17-22So Isaac moved away to the Gerar Valley, where he set up their tents and settled down. He reopened the wells his father had dug, which the Philistines had filled in after Abraham’s death. Isaac also restored the names Abraham had given them. Isaac’s servants also dug in the Gerar Valley and discovered a well of fresh water. But then the shepherds from Gerar came and claimed the spring. “This is our water,” they said, and they argued over it with Isaac’s herdsmen. So Isaac named the well Esek (which means “argument”). Isaac’s men then dug another well, but again there was a dispute over it. So Isaac named it Sitnah (which means “hostility”). Abandoning that one, Isaac moved on and dug another well. This time there was no dispute over it, so Isaac named the place Rehoboth (which means “open space”), for he said, “At last the Lord has created enough space for us to prosper in this land.”

We are to respond to conflict in humility. Isaac sought peace as opposed to his own personal victory. Similarly, we should work to be at peace with others, even if it is inconvenient for us.

Proverbs 15:1A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

2 Timothy 2:23-26Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap.

We must approach conflict by being gracious and gentle. Our world is divided in many ways. We see fights and angry words everywhere. As believers, we are called to be different. By speaking with kindness and gentleness, and by refusing to get into fights with people, we show the love of Jesus to a hurting world.

Matthew 5:25-26“When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny.”

We must intentionally resolve our disagreements quickly and early, before things get out of hand.

1 Corinthians 6:7To have such lawsuits at all is a real defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated?

At times we need to be willing to forfeit our personal rights. Though we may not like the idea of accepting that someone has wronged us, sometimes it is best to let go of our rights for compensation and trust God to provide justice.

Proverbs 26:17Interfering in someone else’s argument is as foolish as yanking a dog’s ears.

Proverbs 26:20Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.

We need to stay out of other people’s disagreements. Whether it is intentional or by accident, meddling in someone else’s business almost never goes well. It is best for us and others to stay away from other people’s arguments.